11th December – 31st December 2004
Itinerary
Sun 12th Dec: Left Comfort Inn at 7.30am
on courtesy shuttle to the airport. Departed Atlanta 10.20am on Delta flight
over the deserts of the southwest USA to Honolulu. A nine hour flight arriving
at 3.30pm. By 4pm we had collected our car from where we drove the spectacular
Pali Highway to Kailua checking in at the Manu Mele B&B (Manumele@pixi.com) before visiting the
nearby Safeway Supermarket for provisions. It was dark by 6pm.
South east Oahu from the air
Diamond Head Crater on Oahu from the air
Mon 13th Dec: Sunrise at Kailua Beach then
drove the H3 highway to Aiea arriving at the State Park at 7.30am parking near
the entrance gate. A groundsman kindly gave us a lift to the Upper trailhead
from where we walked the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail returning to our car at 2.30pm.
Returned to Kailua failing to access the Kaneohe Marine Base.
Tues 14th Dec: Drove to Kapiolani Park,
Waikiki arriving at 7.30am where birded until 10am. Drove to the Kuli’ou’ou
road and walked the Valley Trail returning at 12.30pm to our car’s lights on
and a flat battery! Quickly found a neighbour with jumpers who kindly
jump-started the car for us. Drove back to Kailua where booked the Maui Nature
Conservancy Walk to the Waikomi Preserve before driving north to the Japanese
Cemetery overlooking the James Campbell NWR where birded until dusk.
Weds 15th Dec: Drove north to Laie Pt. and
then onto James Campbell NWR where the reserve was again closed so overlooked
the Reserve from the dunes near the Japanese Cemetery.
Thurs 16th Dec: Drove south to the Sealife
Centre where sea-watched before continuing to Kapiolani Park where we walked to
the Sheraton Hotel for closer views of Fairy Terns. Drove to the airport where
bumped onto a later than scheduled flight at 2.30pm bound for Maui. Drove east
to Haiku staying at Maina Aina (info@mauivacationproperties.com).
Hula Dancers at Waikiki
Oops, we inadvertently gatecrashed a wedding in our search for Fairy Terns breeding in the trees above - they seemed to understand!
Waikiki Beach
Fri 17th Dec: Met Renate Grassman (renate@lava.net) at Pukalani at 6.50am for a
guided walk into the Waikomi Preserve. Driven to Hosmer Grove by 7.30am. Walked
down into the Waikomi Preserve where we patrolled the boardwalk until 3pm.
Returned to Haiku.
Sat 18th Dec: Drove towards Hana stopping
at Keanae Pt. at Mile 16 to view the Black Noddy colony. Returned to Maina Aina
before continuing to Kanaha Ponds and then the Kealia Ponds NWR before spending
the evening at MacGregor Pt. watching the Humpback Whales.
Sun 19th Dec: Drove to watch the sunrise
from the Hakealau Crater then working our way down the volcano stopping at the
various overlooks. Arrived at Hosmer Grove at 10.45 where walked the Nature
Trail before joining the free Nature Conservancy tour (booked a week in advance
by calling 808-572-4459) to Waikamoi Preserve. Spent dusk and a spectacular
sunset driving down the volcano.
Sunrise from the Hakealau Crater
Hakealau Volcano
Mon 20th Dec: Up early to drive to the
airport in preparation for our 7am flight to Lihue, Kaua’i. Drove north to
Hanalei then back to the seabird colonies at Kilauea Point before driving up
the Waimea Canyon to a wet Koke’e SP briefly bogging our 4WD jeep outside our
pre-booked cabin at Camp Sloggett (info@campingkauai.com).
Tues 21st Dec: A very wet day in Koke’e SP
largely restricted to our verandah until 1.15pm when the weather brightened a
little so drove to the Museum and walked the Mohihi Road until the weather
again deteriorated. Walked Trail 8 from Camp Sloggett until drenched so called
it a day by 4.30pm.
Weds 22nd Dec: Walked the start of the
Pihea Trail but very slippery so retraced our steps and walked the road to the
Kalalau Lookout. Drove to the Awa’awapuhi Trail where finally found a singing
male ‘Akeke’e. Weather closed in so returned to Sloggett.
Thurs 23rd Dec: All day spent along the
Pihea Trail walking to the crossroads with the Alaka’i Swamp Trail where
concentrated in the staircase area.
Fri 24th Dec: Left Camp Sloggett at 7.30am
and drove down Waimea Canyon stopping at the scenic overlooks. Left Kaua’i at
10.55am for Honolulu. Left Honolulu at 12.30pm for Big Island. Drove to Kamuela
Inn (kaminn@aloha.net).
Sat 25th Dec: Drove the Saddle Road and up
Pau La’au. Then onto Kipuka 21 and down to the Hilo pools.
Sun 26th Dec: Drove the Saddle Road to a
wet Kipuka 21. Continued to a wet Volcanoes NP. Drove on to a dry Manuka SP and
then up the west coast to Aimakapa Pond for Green Turtles in the evening.
Mon 27th Dec: Drove Saddle Road and spent
all day walking the Pu’u Oo Trail near Mile 22.
Pu’u Oo Trail, Big Island
Tues 28th Dec: Joined the Hawai’i Forest
& Trail trip (info@hawaii-forest.com) to Hakalau Forest NWR.
Weds 29th Dec: Birded the Waimea Plains
and the pools at the Big Island Country Club. Evening again at Waimea Plains.
Thur 30th Dec: All day in the Volcanoes NP
driving the crater loop and chain of craters road walking the 6 mile return tri
to flowing red lava and whilst there seeing a passing Humpback Whale.
Volcanoes NP, Big Island
Fri 31st Dec: Left Big Island for Honolulu
and onto Gatwick via San Francisco and Atlanta.
Species List
Laysan Albatross – Diomedea immutabilis C
We saw 22 at the Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i, breeding colony
on the 20th where birds were seen at their nests and in flight
offshore and moving to and from their colony.
White-tailed Tropicbird – Phaethon lepturus dorothea C
A single individual was seen to fly ashore whilst watching
Humpback Whales from Macgregor’s Point, Maui during the evening of the 18th,
3 were seen to fly ashore whilst at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i on the 20th,
4 were seen flying over the forested cliffs from the Kalalau Valley Lookout,
Koke’e SP, Kaua’i on the 22nd and 1 was seen from the Waimea Canyon
Lookout on the 24th.
Brown Booby – Sula leucogaster C
We saw 2 off the Japanese Cemetery adjacent to the James
Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th, 2 off Laie Pt., O’ahu, on the 15th,
1 off the Sealife Centre, O’ahu, on the 16th, 5 off Keanae Pt, Maui,
on the 18th and 1 off Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i on the 20th.
Red-footed Booby – Sula sula rubripes C
A single adult was seen off the Japanese Cemetery adjacent
to the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 15th, 15 off the Sealife
Centre, O’ahu, on the 16th and c.300 at their breeding colony at
Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i on the 20th where birds were seen perched
in the trees and flying offshore.
Great Frigatebird – Fregata minor palmerstoni C
A group of 6 were seen at the Sealife Centre, O’ahu, on the
16th, 1 was seen off Keanae Pt, Maui, on the 18th, and 6
were seen at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i on the 20th, where several
were seen harassing the Red-footed Boobies returning to their colony.
Great Frigatebird off Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i
Seen daily on O’ahu where a daily maximum of 80 was recorded at their evening roost at the James Campbell NWR, seen on two dates on Maui where a daily maximum of 25 were seen at Kealia Ponds NWR on the 18th, 20 were seen on Kaua’i whilst driving north along the east coast of the island on the 20th and 30 were seen on Big Island at their evening roost at Aimakapa Pond on the 26th. Introduced to Hawai’i (Pratt 1993).
Black-crowned Night-Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax
C
We saw 10 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 6 there the following day, 40 at Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th,
2 at Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, on the 20th, 5 at Hilo Pools, Big Island,
on the 25th, 2 at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island, on the 26th
and 2 at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th.
White-fronted Goose – Anser albifrons C
We saw singles at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 15th
and at Waiakea Pond, Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Cackling Goose – Branta (canadensis) minima C
We obtained distant views of 5 at the James Campbell NWR,
O’ahu, on the 15th and much better views of 1 at Waiakea Pond, Hilo
Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Canada Goose – Branta canadensis C
We saw 11 presumably released feral pale-breasted
individuals at Waiakea Pond, Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Nene – Nesochen sandvicensis C
We saw 1 at the Haleakala NP HQ, Maui, on the 19th,
8 at Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, and 4 at Kilauea Point NWR, Kaua’i on the 20th,
1 at the Pua Akala tract of Hakalu Forest NWR, Big Island, on the 28th
and 2 at the Big Island Country Club Golf Course on the 29th.
Endemic to Hawai’i this species nearly became extinct in 1951 but captive
breeding and release of pen-reared birds increased numbers dramatically
although the populations were considered to appear not to be self-sustaining
(Pratt et al. 1987). Historically known only from the Big Island, but now known
to have inhabited the other islands in prehistoric times, the species has been
reintroduced to Maui and Kaua’i. 
Nene at Haleakala NP, Maui
Colour-ringed Nene at the Pua Akala tract of Hakalu Forest NWR, Big Island
A single female, presumably this species, was seen at Waiakea Pond, Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos
C
We saw 15 presumably semi-feral birds at Kanaha Pond,
Maui, on the 18th and 25 presumably semi-feral birds at Waiakea
Pond, Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Mallard / Hawai’ian Duck hybrids – Anas
platyrhynchos / wyvilliana C
What were presumably hybrids, albeit most closely
resembling Hawai’ian Ducks, were 20 seen at James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the
14th and 10 there the following day.
Hawai’ian Duck (Koloa maoli) – Anas wyvilliana C
The only seemingly pure individuals encountered were 18 at
Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, on the 20th. Endemic to Hawai’i this species
survived as a natural population only on Kaua’i but it has been reintroduced on
O’ahu and Big Island (Pratt 1993).
We saw 5 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th and 1 there the following day.
Northern Shoveler – Anas clypeata C
We saw 80 at Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th.
American Wigeon – Anas americana C
We saw 4 at Waiakea Pond, Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th.
Lesser Scaup – Aythya affinis C
We saw a total of 24 whilst touring the Hilo Pools, Big
Island, on the 25th and 25 at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island, on the 26th.
Hawai’ian Hawk (‘Io) – Buteo solitarius C
We saw a distant individual and then a pair of light phase
individuals directly overhead whilst walking the Pu’u Oo Trail, Big Island, on
the 27th. Endemic to Big Island this species has wandered to Maui
and O’ahu (Pratt et al. 1987). 
Peregrine – Falco peregrinus C
A single immature was seen hunting and then perched at the
Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th.
Black Francolin – Francolinus francolinus C
Whilst driving the Saddle Road, Big Island, we saw 1 on the
26th, 2 on the 27th and 1 on the 28th and a
male was seen at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced
to Hawai’i in 1959 and established on Molokai Maui, Lanai and Big Island (Pratt
et al. 1987).
Grey Francolin – Francolinus pondicerianus C
We saw 2 at the Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th
and 8 at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced to
Hawai’i in 1959 and established on all main islands (Pratt et al. 1987).
Erckel’s Francolin – Francolinus erckelii C
On Kaua’i we saw 1 near the Kalalau Valley Lookout, Koke’e
SP, on the 22nd, 1 along the Pihea Ridge Trail, Koke’e SP and 4
along the road between the Kalalau Valley Lookout and the Koke’e Museum, Koke’e
SP, on the 23rd and 1 near the Waimea Canyon Lookout on the 24th.
On Big Island whilst driving the Saddle Road we saw 10 on the 25th,
6 on the 26th, 8 on the 27th and 10 on the 28th
and 5 were seen at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th.
Introduced to Hawai’i in 1957 and established on the six largest islands (Pratt
et al. 1987). 
Chukar – Alectoris chukar C
We saw 8 at the Haleakala Summit Visitor Centre, Maui, on
the 19th, 2 whilst driving the Saddle Road, Big Island, on the 25th
and 5 there on the 28th. Introduced to Hawai’i in 1923 and
subsequently and established on all main islands except O’ahu (Pratt et al.
1987). 
Chukar at Haleakala Summit Visitor Centre, Maui
We saw just a pair whilst walking the Pu’u Oo Trail, Big Island, on the 27th. Introduced to Big Island in 1962 and established and spreading explosively (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red Junglefowl – Gallus gallus C
We saw 15 of questionable stock at the Aiea Ridge Loop
Trail, O’ahu, on the 13th and 15 whilst driving on Kaua’i on the 20th
and up to 50 on all four dates from the 21st to 24th at
Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, with the largest numbers present near the museum but also
ever present in the clearing at the nearby Camp Sloggett. This species was
brought as domestic stock by ancient Micronesian and Polynesian peoples but
such populations have now been extirpated from Hawai’i except on Kaua’i (Pratt
et al. 1987). It would appear to have the dubious distinction of being the
first species of non-native bird introduced to Hawai’i.
Common Pheasant – Phasianus colchicus C
We saw 2 males at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th,
a male at Hosmer Grove, Maui, on the 19th and 5 on the drive from
Waikoloa to the Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th. This species has
been established on all main Hawai’ian islands since the late 19th
Century (Pratt et al. 1987).
Wild Turkey – Meleagris gallopavo C
Only seen on Big Island where whilst driving the Saddle Road
we saw 2 on the 25th, 10 on the 26th, 3 on the 27th
and 40 on the 28th and 18 were seen at the Big Island Country Club
on the 29th. Introduced to Hawai’i in 1788 established on Niihau,
Lanai, Maui and Big Island (Pratt et al. 1987). 
Wild Turkey on Big Island
We saw singles whilst driving up the track to Pu’u La’au, Big Island, on the 25th and along the Keanakolu Road leading to the Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th. Introduced to Hawai’i before 1855 established Kaua’i, Maui, Lanai and Big Island (Pratt et al. 1987).
Common Moorhen – Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis
C
We saw 25 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 10 there the following day and 10 at the Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, on the 20th.
Hawai’ian Coot – Fulica alai C
We saw 20 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 15 there the following day, 12 at Kanaha Pond and 18 at the Kealia Ponds
NWR, Maui, on the 18th, 5 at the Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, on the 20th,
a total of 8 whilst touring the Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th
and 12 at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island, on the 26th.
Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva C
Seen daily whilst on O’ahu where daily maximums of 100 were
recorded at the James Campbell NWR on both the 14th and 15th.
Seen daily whilst on Maui where a daily maximum of 25 was recorded on the 18th.
Seen daily on Kaua’i where a daily maximum of just 6 was recorded on the 20th.
On Big Island noted on four dates with a daily maximum of 35 seen on the 25th.
Often encountered in ones and twos often whilst driving on any area of grass
including lawns and roadsides although a few larger flocks noted in larger
areas of suitable habitat.
Semipalmated Plover – Charadrius semipalmatus C
We saw 2 feeding on the beach at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island,
on the 26th.
Black-necked Stilt – Himantopus mexicanus knudseni
C
We saw 20 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 10 there the following day, 8 at Kanaha Pond and 100 at the Kealia Ponds
NWR, Maui, on the 18th, 12 at the Hanalei NWR, Kaua’i, on the 20th
and 6 at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island, on the 26th.
Wandering Tattler – Heteroscelus incanus C
We saw 2 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 1 there the following day, 1 near Keanae Pt and 2 at the Kealia Ponds NWR,
Maui, on the 18th and 6 on the beach at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island,
on the 26th.
Bristle-thighed Curlew – Numenius tahitiensis C
An early highlight of the trip was 10 seen at the James
Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th and 20 in the nearby dune system
there the following day. Superb.
Marbled Godwit – Limosa fedoa C
A single individual was seen and photographed at the Kealia
Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th. Included in Pratt et al. 1987 on the
basis of a single 1966 record of two birds on Laysan.
Marbled Godwit at Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui
Turnstone – Arenaria interpres C
We saw 20 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 15 there the following day, 10 at the Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui, on the 18th
and 12 on the beach at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island, on the 26th.
Sanderling – Calidris alba C
We saw 3 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 14th
and 1 there the following day, 1 at Kanaha Pond and 30 at the Kealia Ponds NWR,
Maui, on the 18th and 10 on the beach at Aimakapa Pond, Big Island,
on the 26th.
Pectoral Sandpiper – Calidris melanotos C
We saw 3 at the James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 15th.
Ring-billed Gull – Larus delawarensis C
We saw a single first-winter at the Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui,
on the 18th.
Glaucous-winged Gull – Larus glaucescens C
We saw a single first-winter at the Kealia Ponds NWR, Maui,
on the 18th.
Black Noddy – Anous minutus C
We saw 75 at their breeding colony at Keanae Pt., Maui, on
the 18th. The distinctive pale orange legs of this form were easily
visible whilst they were perched on the cliffs.
Common Fairy-Tern – Gygis alba C
We saw a total of 10 whilst at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki,
O’ahu, on the 14th with most sightings in flight offshore although
some seen in flight over the park itself and 5 in the vicinity of the Sheraton
Hotel, Waikiki, O’ahu, on the 16th where they made several abortive
attempts to perch in the trees alongside the busy road there on the 16th.
As expected, superb.
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse – Pterocles exustus C
We saw 4 distantly in flight whilst driving the Saddle Road
in the late afternoon of the 27th. Introduced to Big Island in 1961
(Pratt et al. 1987).
Rock Dove – Columba livia C
Seen daily on O’ahu where a daily maximum of 50 mainly
all-white individuals were encountered whilst searching for Common Fairy-Terns
in Kapiolani Park, O’ahu, on the 14th. Otherwise, just 6 noted
whilst driving on Kaua’i on the 24th and 1 whilst driving on Big
Island on the 29th. Introduced to Hawai’i.
Spotted Dove – Streptopelia chinensis C
Seen daily on O’ahu where a daily maximum of 15 were seen in
Kapiolani Park, O’ahu, on the 14th, seen on two dates on Maui where
a daily maximum of 30 were seen whilst touring the island on the 18th,
10 were noted on two dates on Kaua’i, and up to 10 were noted on four dates on
Big Island. Often encountered in urban settings. Introduced to Hawai’i in the
19th Century (Pratt et al. 1987).
Zebra Dove – Geopelia striata C
Seen virtually daily on all the islands visited with daily
maximums of 60 in Kapiolani Park, O’ahu on the 16th, 6 at Kealia
Pools, Maui on the 18th, 50 at Koke’e Museum, Kaua’i on the 20th
and up to 15 on several dates on Big Island. Introduced to O’ahu in 1922 and
now abundant on all the main islands (Pratt et al. 1987).
Barn Owl – Tyto alba C
A single individual was sadly seen dead on a road crossing
the Waimea Plains on the 26th.
Introduced to Hawai’i in 1958 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Short-eared Owl (Pueo) – Asio flammeus
sandwichensis C
A single individual was seen hunting over the slopes of
Haleakala NP, Maui, just below the elevation of the entry to the NP on the
17th, 1 was seen along the Kaluapuhi Trail, Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on the 22nd
and 1 seen along the Pihea Ridge Trail, Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on the 23rd,
whilst driving Saddle Road, Big Island, we saw 2 on the 25th, 1 on
the 26th, 2 on the 27th, c.10 were seen along the
Keanakolu Road leading to the Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th, and 2
seen over the Waimea Plains, Big Island on the 29th.
Skylark – Alauda arvensis C
We saw 5 on the lower slopes of Haleakala NP, Maui on the 17th
and up to 25 daily on four dates from the 25th to the 28th
whilst driving the Saddle Road on Big Island and 10 on the Waimea Plains, Big
Island on the 29th. Introduced to Hawai’i in 1865 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red-vented Bulbul – Pycnonotus cafer C
Seen on all four dates whilst on O’ahu with a daily maximum
of 12 seen along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail on the 13th. Introduced
to Hawai’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red-whiskered Bulbul – Pycnonotus jocosus C
Seen on all four dates whilst on O’ahu with a daily maximum
of 20 seen along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail on the 13th. Introduced
c.1966 to O’ahu (Pratt et al. 1987).
‘Elepaio – Chasiempis sandwichensis C
On O’ahu we saw 1 or 2 individuals of the form ‘O’ahu
‘Elepaio’ C.s. gayi at the conclusion of the Kuli’ou’ou Valley Trail on
the 14th. On Kaua’i we saw 8 of the form ‘Kaua’i ‘Elepaio’ C.s.
sclateri in the vicinity of Camp Sloggett and along the Waininiua Trail in
Koke’e SP on the 21st, 10 in the vicinity of the Kalalau Lookout and
along the Kaluapuhi and Awa’awapuhi Trails on the 22nd and 8 along
the Pihea Ridge Trail on the 23rd. On Big Island we saw a
superb male of the form ‘Mauna Kea ‘Elepaio’ C.s. bryani in the
plantation behind the hunter’s cabin at Pau La’au on the 25th, 3 of
the form ‘Volcano ‘Elepaio’ C.s. ridgwayi at Kipuka 21 on the 25th,
5 along the Pu’u Oo Trail on the 27th and 6 in the Pua Akala tract
of Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th and a single male of the form
‘Kona ‘Elepaio’ C.s. sandwichensis at the start of the Nature Trail in
the Manuka SP on the 26th. Superb.
Japanese Bush-Warbler – Cettia diphone C
Singles showed well along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail, O’ahu,
on the 13th and at the start of the Nature Trail in the Manuka SP,
Big Island, on the 26th. Introduced in the 1930’s to Hawai’i (Pratt
et al. 1987).
White-rumped Shama – Copsychus malabaricus C
We saw 3 along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail, O’ahu, on the 13th,
1 along the Kuli’ou’ou Valley Trail, O’ahu, on the 14th, 1 near the
James Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 15th, 1 in Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on
the 22nd and 3 along the Pihea Ridge Trail, Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on
the 23rd. Introduced to Hawai’i in 1931 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Oma’o – Myadestes obscurus C
On Big Island heard at Kipuka 21 on the 25th, 5
seen along the Pu’u Oo Trail on the 27th and 4 seen at the Pua Akala
tract of Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th. Endemic to Big Island
(Pratt et al. 1987).
Hwamei – Garrulax canorus C
We saw 1 in Hosmer Grove, Maui, on the 19th, 2 in
Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on the 21st and 3 there the following day.
Introduced to Hawai’i in the early 1900’s (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red-billed Leiothrix – Leiothrix lutea C
We saw 30 along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail, O’ahu, on the 13th,
3 along the Kuli’ou’ou Valley Trail, O’ahu, on the 14th, 1 in the
Waikamoi Preserve, Maui, on the 17th and 2 at Kipuka 21, Big Island,
on the 26th. Introduced to Hawai’i in the 1920’s (Pratt et al.
1987).
Common Myna – Acridotheres tristis C
Seen virtually daily in good numbers on all the islands we
visited. A daily maximum of 80 was noted on O’ahu on the 14th
comprised of 50 in Kapiolani Park and 30 at the James Campbell NWR. Introduced
to Hawai’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
Japanese White-eye – Zosterops japonicus C
Seen virtually daily in fair numbers on all the islands we
visited. A daily maximum of 16 were seen along the Pu’u Oo Trail, Big Island,
on the 27th. Introduced to O’ahu about 1930 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis C
Noted on eleven dates being seen in small numbers on all the
islands we visited. Daily maximums of 5 were noted at James Campbell NWR,
O’ahu, on the 14th and whilst touring Big Island on the 26th.
Introduced to Hawai’i in 1929 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red-crested Cardinal – Paroaria coronata C
Seen on four dates on O’ahu where a daily maximum of 2 were
seen at James Campbell NWR on the 15th and seen on five dates on
Kaua’i where a daily maximum of 3 were noted in Koke’e SP on both the 21st
and 23rd. Introduced to Hawai’i in 1929 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Yellow-billed Cardinal – Paroaria capitata C
We saw a total of 5 near Captain Cook and at Aimakapa Pond,
Big Island, on the 26th. Introduced to Big Island about 1930 (Pratt
et al. 1987).
Saffron Finch – Sicalis flaveola C
A single male was seen at Kona Airport, Big Island, on the
24th, 4 were seen at Manuka SP, Big Island, on the 26th
and 8 were seen at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th.
Introduced to Hawai’i in the 1960’s and established on Big Island and possibly
O’ahu (Pratt et al. 1987).
House Finch – Carpodacus mexicanus C
Seen on three dates on O’ahu where a daily maximum of 15
were seen at the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail on the 13th, 6 were seen in
the Waikamoi Preserve, Maui, on the 19th, 5 were seen along the
Pihea Ridge Trail, Kaua’i, on the 22nd and seen on six dates on Big
Island in fair numbers where a daily maximum of 20 were seen whilst driving
Saddle Road on the 25th. Introduced to Hawai’i in the 19th
Century (Pratt et al. 1987).
Male House Finch on Oahu
We saw 5 in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, O’ahu, on both the 14th and 16th, 3 at Pu’u La’au, Big Island, on the 25th, 1 at the Pua Akala tract of Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th and 2 at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced to Hawai’i about 1964 and established on O’ahu and Big Island (Pratt et al. 1987).
Palila – Loxioides bailleui C
A superb individual found just behind the Hunter’s Cabin at
Pu’u La’au, Big Island, on the 25th allowed prolonged views as it
fed unconcerned above us on green mamane seeds held in its feet and opened with
its bill. A superb Christmas Day treat! Endemic to Big Island the remnant
population is restricted to the upper slopes of Mauna Kea (Pratt et al. 1987).
Common (Hawai’i) ‘Amakihi – Hemignathus virens C
On Maui we saw 3 of the form H.v. wilsoni in the
Waikamoi Preserve on the 17th and 6 there on the 19th. On
Big Island we saw 25 of the form H.v. virens behind the Hunter’s Cabin
at Pu’u La’au on the 25th, 16 along the Pu’u Oo Trail on the 27th
and 8 at the Pua Akala tract of Hakalau Forest NWR on the 28th.
O’ahu ‘Amakihi – Hemignathus flavus C
We saw 7 males and 4 females with the distinctive rasping
calls of others heard along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail, O’ahu, on the 13th.
Kaua’i ‘Amakihi – Hemignathus stejnegeri C
We saw 2 at Camp Sloggett in Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on the 21st,
5 in the vicinity of the Kalalau Lookout, Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on the 22nd
and 3 along the Pihea Ridge Trail, Koke’e SP, Kaua’i on the 23rd.
Endemic to Kaua’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
‘Anianiau – Hemignathus parvus C
We saw 12 in the vicinity of the Pu’u o Kila Lookout, Koke’e
SP, Kaua’i, on the 22nd and 6 along the Pihea Ridge Trail, Koke’e
SP, Kaua’i, on the 23rd. Endemic to Kaua’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
‘Akiapola’au – Hemignathus munroi C
This species, having quite probably the most bizarre shaped
bill of any passerine in the World, was our most wanted species of the trip. It
lived up to its promise with a pair allowing prolonged views as they performed
for us feeding along the lower branches of Koa trees along the Pu’u Oo Trail,
Big Island, on the 27th. We watched them holding their mandibles
apart making their Woodpecker-like tapping sounds with their lower mandibles
and one even extracting a larvae from a branch with its upper mandible on one
occasion. Simply brilliant. Endemic to Big Island (Pratt et al. 1987).
Hawai’i Creeper – Oreomystis mana C
Whilst at the Pua Akala tract of Hakalau Forest NWR, Big
Island, on the 28th we encountered single (possibly the same) adults on two
occasions, both times living up to their names creeping up and down lichen
covered trunks and both times frequenting the same ‘O’hia trees as feeding
‘Akepas. Endemic to Big Island (Pratt et al. 1987).
Maui Creeper (‘Alauahio) – Paroreomyza montana C
We saw 15 in Waikamoi Preserve, Maui, on the 17th
and 5 there and 1 in Hosmer Grove on the 19th. Superb. Endemic to Maui
being extinct on Lanai (Pratt et al. 1987).
‘Akepa – Loxops coccineus C
We saw 3 adult males and 2 females in ‘O’hia trees at the
Pua Akala tract of the Hakalau Forest NWR, Big Island on the 28th.
Superb. For all practical purposes, this endemic survives only on Big Island
(Pratt 1993).
‘Akeke’e (Kaua’i ‘Akepa) – Loxops caeruleirostris C
After much searching we finally found a singing male in
‘O’hia trees near the start of the Awa’awapuhi Trail in Koke’e SP, Kaua’i, on
the 22nd and then 3 along the Pihea Ridge Trail in Koke’e SP,
Kaua’i, the following day. Another superb Hawai’ian Honeycreeper. Endemic to
Kaua’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
I’iwi – Vestiaria coccinea C
We saw 8 in Waikamoi Preserve, Maui, on the 17th,
4 there and 1 or 2 in Hosmer Grove on the 19th, 1 at the Hunter’s
Cabin at Pu’u La’au, and 1 at Kipuka 21, Big Island on the 25th, 10
along the Pu’u Oo Trail, Big Island on the 27th and 8 in the Pua
Akala tract of the Hakalau Forest NWR, Big Island on the 28th. This
superb species constantly reminded me of a miniature Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
and this sickle-shaped bill species now perhaps popularly represents the
endemic Hawai’ian Honeycreepers more than any other family member. Endemic to
Hawai’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
Crested Honeycreeper (‘Akohekohe)
– Palmeria dolei C
Hoped-for but not really expected, we were delighted to see
at least 3 and quite probably 4 different finely plumaged adults along the
boardwalk in the Waikamoi Preserve, Maui, on the 17th. Superb.
Endemic to Maui and Molokai but believed extinct on the latter (Pratt et al.
1987).
House Sparrow – Passer domesticus C
Up to 6 daily were seen on three dates on O’ahu, up to 11
daily on two dates in the Maui lowlands and up to 30 daily were noted on four
dates on Big Island. Introduced on all the main Hawai’ian Islands (Pratt et al.
1987).
Orange-cheeked Waxbill – Estrilda melpoda C
We saw a flock of 8, including several immatures, along the
entrance track to Kealia Ponds NWR on Maui on the 18th. Introduced
to Hawai’i in the 1960’s and established on Big Island and O’ahu (Pratt et al.
1987).
Common Waxbill – Estrilda astrild C
On O’ahu we saw 12 along the Aiea Ridge Loop Trail on the 13th,
2 at the James Campbell NWR on the 14th and 8 there on the 15th.
Introduced in the 20th Century to O’ahu (Pratt et al. 1987).
Red Avadavat – Amandava amandava C
We saw 10 drinking at the stream along the entrance track to
the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced to Hawai’i in
the early 1900’s (Pratt et al. 1987).
Warbling Silverbill – Lonchura malabarica C
We saw around 30 drinking at the Big Island Country Club
pools and a few on the Waimea Plains on the 29th. Introduced to
Hawai’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
Nutmeg Mannikin – Lonchura punctulata C
We saw 2 at the Hilo Pools, Big Island, on the 25th
and c.400 at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced to
Hawai’i in 1865 (Pratt et al. 1987).
Chestnut Mannikin – Lonchura malacca C
We saw a flock of 40 along the entrance track to Kealia
Ponds NWR on Maui on the 18th. Introduced to Hawai’i (Pratt et al.
1987).
Java Sparrow – Padda oryzivora C
We saw 1 feeding at a garden feeder in Kailua on the 12th,
20 in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, O’ahu on the 14th, 25 at the James
Campbell NWR, O’ahu, on the 15th, 3 in Kapiolani Park on the 16th,
5 whilst driving in the lowlands of east Kaua’i on the 20th, 5 near
Kona, Big Island on the 24th, 5 at Hilo, Big Island, on the 25th
and 15 at the Big Island Country Club on the 29th. Introduced to
Hawai’i (Pratt et al. 1987).
